Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” This statement holds for countless women who refuse to shrink themselves to fit into spaces that were never designed for them. These women speak up, assert their rights, and uplift others. True empowerment is not just about personal success but also about fostering opportunities for other women to grow, challenging outdated stereotypes, and standing firm in the face of adversity.

The power of brand collaboration

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the theme, “For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, reminds us of the importance of unity in driving change. One of the most powerful ways women support each other in business is through collaboration.

“Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that our voices matter—not just in business, but in shaping the future. The way we communicate our ideas, advocate for ourselves, and uplift others defines our leadership. I’ve learned that true impact comes not only from what we achieve but from how we pass that knowledge forward. Giving back, mentoring, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women is how we build a stronger, more inclusive future. Honoured to be part of this conversation!” says Tala Alnounou, Head of Marketing – MENA at LWK & Partners. 

In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, collaboration has become an indispensable strategy for brands looking to expand their reach, enhance credibility, and drive innovation. When two brands come together, they can tap into each other’s strengths and create something unique. This is especially significant for women-led businesses, where partnerships can pave the way for greater visibility and shared success.

Women-led collaborations making an impact

Kylie Cosmetics and Kendall Jenner: A perfect blend of beauty and fashion

When Kylie Cosmetics teamed up with Kendall Jenner, the world took notice. Known for its trendsetting beauty products, Kylie Cosmetics joined forces with Kendall, a global fashion icon, to create a makeup collection that merges high fashion with everyday wearability.

Why this collaboration worked:

• Authenticity: The Jenner sisters share a genuine connection, making the collaboration feel organic rather than just a business-driven partnership.
• Balanced Aesthetics: Kylie’s bold beauty vision blended with Kendall’s minimalist elegance, appealing to a wider audience.
• Massive Reach: With both sisters boasting enormous social media followings, their combined influence ensured the collaboration’s success.

Dose of Colors and Shayla: Influence meets expertise

Another prime example is the partnership between Dose of Colors and beauty influencer Shayla. Known for its high-quality, cruelty-free makeup, Dose of Colors found an ideal partner in Shayla, whose beauty expertise and dedicated fan base made her a natural fit for the brand.

Why this partnership worked:

• Credibility: Shayla was already a fan of the brand before the collaboration, making the partnership feel authentic.
• Versatile Offerings: The collection catered to everyday and dramatic makeup styles, mirroring Shayla’s diverse beauty tutorials.
• Audience Alignment: By collaborating, both parties expanded their reach, increasing engagement and sales.

Why collaboration matters for women-led businesses

On International Women’s Day 2025, we must recognize that for women-founded companies, brand collaborations are more than just business strategies; they are stepping stones toward greater recognition and empowerment. A strategic partnership allows these businesses to benefit from another brand’s reach and reputation while showcasing their unique vision and values.

The key benefits of brand collaborations for women entrepreneurs

• Expanding Market Reach: Partnering with an established brand exposes a woman-led business to a broader audience.
• Building Brand Credibility: Aligning with a reputable brand enhances trust and strengthens public perception.
• Driving Innovation: Collaborations often lead to new product development and fresh ideas.
• Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: Women supporting women in business fosters a network of mentorship, shared knowledge, and encouragement.
• Aligning with Shared Values: Choosing the right brand partner ensures that both businesses resonate with their audiences authentically.

The bigger picture: Women supporting women

Beyond brand collaborations, women working together in business fosters collective strength, breaks down barriers, and challenges societal stereotypes.

Entrepreneurship allows women to take control of their financial independence, work-life balance, and creative visions. Many female entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to set positive examples for future generations, showing that success is achievable through resilience and collaboration.

“Opportunities don’t come just from having the best pitch or strategy. They come from people who trust you. The fastest way to build a strong network is to do it in a way that feels natural to you. There’s no one way to network, no mold to fit. Stay true to your personality, invest in real relationships before you need them, and show up for others. The right introduction at the right time can change everything,” Angelique Masse Nguyen, CEO and Co-Founder of NOI, the media company for and by Vietnamese women.

When women join forces, they share skills, experiences, and resources, strengthening not only their businesses but also the communities around them. Collaboration encourages open dialogue, builds trust, and nurtures a collective vision that benefits everyone involved.

Organizations driving women-led collaborations and growth

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we also honor the organizations that are empowering women entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking, and collaboration:

• eWomenNetwork (2000): Founded in Dallas, Texas, USA, by Sandra Yancey and Kym Yancey, eWomenNetwork aims to help one million women each achieve one million dollars in annual revenue. It offers access to peer coaching, mentorship, marketing, branding, webinars, podcasts, scholarships, and grants. The organization has over 500,000 entrepreneurs connected across the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia.
• Everywoman: A membership organization championing the advancement of women in business to close the gender pay gap, offering leadership training, events, and personal development resources.
• American Business Women’s Association (ABWA):  This organization offers professional development and networking opportunities and national recognition of achievements.
• Business and Professional Women International (BPW): A global women’s network with affiliates in over 100 countries, offering leadership and e-business training.
• Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO): A network for female company leaders with yearly revenues of $2 million or more.
• Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): Provides professional development and recognition events to support women in media and communications.

On this International Women’s Day, the message is clear: collaboration isn’t just a strategy—it’s a movement. When women support each other, remarkable things happen. Women-founded companies must continue to explore and embrace collaboration opportunities, either through joint product launches, co-branded marketing campaigns, or knowledge-sharing initiatives.

As the world moves toward a future of equality and opportunity, we must commit to strive towards an environment where women-led businesses thrive together.

Let International Women’s Day 2025 be a reminder that when women uplift one another, challenge limitations, and embrace unity, we create a stronger, more inclusive world.